Caterham will no longer need to “turn customers away”, CEO Bob Laishley has told Autocar, after opening a multi-million-pound new base that will boost its production capacity by 50%.
Labelled as a “game-changer” that has “transformed the business in every way”, the headquarters is located just down the road from the firm’s former factory in Dartford, Kent.
Caterham can now build up to 750 Sevens annually, thanks to 33 new build stations at the new facility, up from 22 at the old one.
“Before, we would have orders for 600 cars but only be able to build 500, so we would have to turn customers away,” said Laishley.
“Increasing production to 750 has also allowed us to explore markets we have always suppressed because of capacity, such as the USA.”
The close proximity to the former site was key to retaining the firm’s 130 staff, especially its mechanics and engineers.
As well as a new factory floor, the 54,000sq ft site – which was funded by Caterham's Japanese owner, VT Holdings, and took nine months to fit out – houses the brand’s motorsport and commercial operations.
Bringing all of those under one roof means the brand “feels more connected than ever”, said Laishley. “It makes us a more efficient, streamlined business”, he added.
What’s more, the quality of the new site was summed up by Laishley as he recalled visiting the former factory for the final time: “Were we really working here?”
VT Holdings CEO Kazuho Takahashi said: “We are thrilled. This modern facility exemplifies VT Holdings' unwavering dedication and support for the iconic British sports car brand, Caterham.
"From this new location, we will continue to take pride in delivering increasingly high-quality vehicles to our customers worldwide.”
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